Published by Beloit Meals On Wheels, Inc.

2016 Issue

We “March for Meals” because our seniors should not be

forgotten. This past March, hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs across the country reached out to their communities to build the support to enable them to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to America’s seniors all year long.

March for Meals Results To date, we have raised more than $32,000 dollars. All the money will

go to help feed our Beloit homebound seniors. Thank you!!

FOOD THOUGHTforfor

Volunteer Survey

Our volunteer survey was sent out at the end

of January as part of our strategic plan. We had a 13% response rate which is within the average range for an external survey.

1. How would you rate your overall experience with BMOW? • 80% extremely satisfying• 18% satisfying

2. Did you receive adequate guidance and training from staff?• 99% responded Yes

3. How likely would you recommend BMOW as a good place to volunteer?• 90% Very Likely • 10% Likely

Thank you to all those to participated in this survey.

Delivering More Than Just A Meal:At the core of our service is a nutritious meal, friendly visit, and a

watchful eye on the health and safety of our seniors.

Nutritious Meals

Adequate nutrition is necessary for health, functionality and the ability to remain

independent. Healthy eating can increase mental acuity, resistance to illness and disease, energy levels, immune system strength, recuperation speed and the ability to manage chronic health problems. Meals on Wheels ensures that seniors have access to adequate nutrition even when family support, mobility and resources are lacking.

Friendly Visit and Safety Check

For many seniors, the trusted Meals on Wheels volunteer or staff member

who shows up every day with a hot meal and a warm smile is the only person they see or speak with all day. The check that accompanies each meal delivery helps to reduce falls, trips to the hospital or premature institutionalization. It also ensures that, in the

case of an emergency or problem, medics will be called, families will be notified and our seniors will not be forgotten.

Volunteer Spotlight Volunteer Spotlight

We are truly blessed with all the dedicated support and success that our volunteers bring to our organization! �anks to all of our volunteers who keep the meals rolling!

Al Pinnow and Bob Pederson Al and Bob are a breath of fresh air and a cheery

sight as they greet clients with smiles along with a hot nutritious meal. They have been Beloit Meals on Wheels delivery partners for the last 12 years with Bob volunteering for 20 years. They both enjoy volunteering because it keeps them active and they get out and see people. They said that they feel they are making a difference helping others – since they may need this service some day. They are an inspiration because of their kindness, compassion and enormous hearts!

Dan Summers and Sharon SummersDan and Sharon are early retirees and have been

volunteering for 15 years. With strength, vigour and a heart of gold, they jump into their car and drive to deliver meals. Volunteering gives them a sense of friendship with the Meals on Wheels clients, as well as getting to know many other giving volunteers. Dan and Sharon not only deliver meals, but they deliver friendship and are a joyful lifeline to our homebound Beloit seniors.

“I thank God for this service. Those who bring it are helpful and friendly – bless you!”

“I look forward every day to open my door to my

volunteers. They have nice smiles and happy faces. They are the greatest! I love them, they are sometimes my only visitors.”

“As a blind 93 year old, my uncle appreciates all that the volunteers do to make sure he has his meals. They are respectful to him and a real day brightener as they are often the only social contact he might have on some days”.

“I see my Dad’s overall health improved. He is stronger. I truly appreciate the efforts of all your drivers, meals, plus the safety check. I cannot say enough.”

• Go to www.beloitmealsonwheels.org• Support Beloit Meals On Wheels

easier with an online donation through PayPal.

• Gifts can be used immediately for everyday operations, or set aside as part of an endowment.

• Donations are tax deductible.• Don’t forget to click on the “Calendar”

tab for upcoming events.• Visit us on our Facebook page!

Community Champion’s WeekThe 2016 Community Champions Week was celebrated

Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25. During this time, we invited local and state officials, local celebrities and other prominent community figures to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels.

A big thank you to the following Community Champions for speaking out for our seniors during March for Meals:• Beloit Police Dept. Patrol Officers Jon Ammeson and

Mark Driscoll• Beloit Police Dept. Community Service Officer Polly Richards• Beloit City Council Member Dave Luebke• Beloit City Manager Lori Curtis Luther• Beloit Fire Dept. Chief Brad Liggett• Town of Beloit Police Chief Steve Kopp• Rep. Amy Loudenbeck

1) Volunteer your time and keep the meals rolling; 2) Attend a fundraising event; 3) Speak up for seniors – together our voices are

amplified and make an even bigger difference; 4) Contribute what you can; 5) Be an advocate for Meals on Wheels; 6) Be our friend on Facebook.

6 Ways You Can

Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, Tracy Phfier and Linda Strzok Lori Luther and Jack Walsh

Our MissionBeloit Meals On Wheels, Inc. provides daily nutritious meals and information to promote dignity

and independence for the homebound elderly, ill and disabled.

Our VolunteersOur volunteers touch the lives of our local, homebound seniors through their time and service. By

delivering nutritious meals with a warm smile, they help seniors feel connected with a daily visit, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays. We are the only agency in the area providing this service.

Volunteers use their own vehicles to deliver meals for which a valid driver’s license is required.

Commitment is about one hour a week / once a month.

There is full training before you hit the road which includes a ride along. Learn more today!

Beloit Facts

National Facts• 9.6 million seniors in America face

the threat of hunger - that’s 1 in 6!

• 15.2 million seniors are isolated, living alone

• The senior population is projected to double by 2050

Source of statistics comes from: www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/theissue/facts-resources/more-than-a-meal

424 College Street, Beloit, WI 53511608.362.3683

www.beloitmealsonwheels.org www.facebook.com/beloitmealsonwheels

Rev. 4 2016

A senior who receives daily-delivered meals experiences the greatest improvements in health and quality of life compared to a senior who receives frozen, weekly delivered meals or no meals at all.

Of clients feel more secure when meals are delivered daily97%

Increase in the number of clients needing meals from last year22%

Of clients say Meals On Wheelsmeans they can continue to live independently in their own homes

93%

100%Stays in Beloit to help your homebound neighbors